Mauritania entry requirements for Nigeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Nigerian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires preparation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at the official MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Nigerian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Mauritania. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Mauritanian law, but airlines may enforce 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Nouakchott Airport routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready. Without one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Immigration officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask to see proof of financial means for your stay, though this is not always enforced. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (USD or euros). There is no ATM or card payment at the visa counter. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes may be refused.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Mauritania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from Nigeria. Carry your yellow card. Without it, you may be denied entry or face a mandatory vaccination at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before travel
Ensure your passport has 6+ months validity and at least one blank page. Print or save your return ticket and hotel booking. Get two passport photos just in case. Carry 60–70 USD in cash (new bills, no tears).
2
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
Most visa-on-arrival processing happens here. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There may be a separate counter before passport control.
3
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form. Fill in your details (name, passport number, flight info, hotel address). Use the address from your booking confirmation.
4
Pay the visa fee and receive your visa
Hand over your form, passport, photos, and cash (55–60 USD). The officer will process the visa sticker and place it in your passport. This usually takes 5–15 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
With the visa in your passport, go to the main passport control queue. Present your passport and boarding pass. You may be asked for your return ticket — show the screenshot.
6
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Mauritania.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Nigeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or dollars at the border. Exact change recommended. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fineApplicable if stay exceeds visa validity. Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max €200 (approx. $218 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Mauritania
No transit visa needed
Nigeria passport holders transiting through Mauritania's airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) · Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; Nigeria is endemic, so certificate is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in southern areas; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nouakchott
Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (Immigration)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard des Pêcheurs, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited services.
Practical information for NG travellers
Country basics
CapitalNouakchott
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMauritanian ouguiya (MRU)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 39.94 MRU
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,FTypes C (Europlug), E (French), and F (Schuko) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC). It may also be available at Nouadhibou Airport, but the process is less consistent. Land borders generally do not offer visa on arrival for Nigerian passport holders — you'd need to arrange a visa in advance.
The fee is approximately 55–60 USD (or the equivalent in euros). Pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted. Bring exact change if possible. The fee is for a single-entry visa, typically valid for 30 days.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa at a Mauritanian embassy before travel.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Nigeria is on that list, so you should carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination). Without it, you may be denied entry or quarantined.
You will be denied boarding by your airline and refused entry at Mauritanian immigration. There are no exceptions. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. The 6-month validity rule applies to your passport itself, not your immigration status. Even with a valid UK or US visa, your passport must be valid for 6 months from entry.
Mauritania is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) occurs in markets and crowded areas. Avoid traveling alone at night outside major cities. Register with your embassy on arrival. The visa on arrival process is straightforward and safe.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.